ILOILO – From Jan. 1 to Feb. 18, this province logged 183 dengue cases – 151 percent higher than the 73 cases and four deaths reported in the same period last year.
The towns of Barotac Nuevo and Estancia recorded the highest number of cases at 16 each. Alimodian followed with 13 cases; Lemery (10); Pototan and Banate (nine each); Balasan, Cabatuan and Carles (eight each); and Calinog (seven).
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that causes a severe flu-like illness that can sometimes be fatal. Its carriers are day-biting mosquitoes (Aedes albpictus and Aedes aegypti) that live and breed in clean, stagnant water.
Despite the rise in dengue cases in the first two months of the year, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. was not alarmed. He said the 183 cases were much lower compared to the cases in 2019.
The province declared a dengue outbreak in 2019 after recording 22,169 cases with 78 deaths.
“Ang unod sang aton hospitals is not alarming. We only have 13 hospitalized dengue patients. Ang non-alert level situation is reflected in the number of patients right now in hospitals,” Defensor added.
The governor, however, said people should not be complacent because dengue-carrying mosquitoes attack year-round.
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office, meanwhile, reminded residents anew about the 5S strategy against dengue: search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites; employ self-protection measures; seek early consultation; support fogging/spraying only in hot spot areas; and practice safety and health protocols.
Aside from the aforementioned 10 towns, other towns including one component city and their number of cases are the following: Pavia (six), San Joaquin (six), San Miguel (six), Passi City (six), Dumangas (six), Ajuy (five), Oton (five), San Dionisio (five), Sara (four), Dueñas (four), Batad (four), Janiuay (three), Concepcion (two), Tigbauan (two), Badiangan (two), Barotac Viejo (two), Anilao (two), Dingle (two), Leganes (two), and Lambunao, Santa Barbara, Bingawan, Miag-ao, and San Enrique (one case each).
No dengue cases, meanwhile, were recorded in Guimbal, Igbaras, Leon, Maasin, Mina, New Lucena, San Rafael, Tubungan, and Zarraga.
According to the World Health Organization, individuals should suspect dengue when a high fever (40 degrees centigrade) is accompanied by two of the following symptoms: severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pains, and rashes.
For severe dengue, the warning signs to look out for are: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, blood in the vomit, fatigue, and restlessness./PN
